Nobody paints with words quite like John Prine. Love his lyrics, love his melodies, love his vocal phrasing and love his self effacing humility. Sadly I'll never get the chance to hear him live. My big regret is that I didn't discover him far sooner than I did.
I totally agree. What a loss to lose Mr. Prine. A true poet and musician and, the more that I listen to him, the more I love him. His interviews in later life just make me respect him that much more.
That is ALL ? I think you might have just "said it all". That said, you are talking about 60+ years of pure musical Genius, of which I agree with you. The greatest singer songwriter in our time, if not all time.
2022-02-20: My main career until retirement in 2007 was as a child support attorney. I knew a few songs relating too paternity problems, child support, alimony, etc. Going back as far as Makin Whoopee. I was also a long time casual (never saw JP in person despite a couple attempts shortly before his death, R.I.P. JP.) But I don’t recall heard this song before now.. Thanks for posting! My favorite is still “Illegal Smile” the one that comes to me now and then for no particular reason.
One of John Prine's very finest songs! (And that's saying a lot, since he has so many). Using simple, economical language, this song packs such a powerful punch, while maintaining a catchy melody and snappy rhythm.
I first heard and loved this song sung by Gail Davies. Only recently learned John wrote it. Another amazing song to have been written by such a young peron.
"Godspeed Old Friend" When I heard the news, it hit me hard John Prine had died, it broke my heart My old buddy, though we never met Godspeed, my friend, you were the best *The salt of the Earth, the sizzle in bacon The dust on the road of a town forsaken A little hayseed, a lot of kicked mule Didn’t own a comb, never played no fool Just a big ol’ goofy smile in a big ol’ goofy world John Prine, gonna miss you, every note you pearled Your smile was illegal in fifty states But when the cops showed up, you wiped it from your face... Oh, it was still there, lingered like a duck Don’t know what that means, guess I’m out of luck *The salt of the Earth, the sizzle in bacon The dust on the road of a town forsaken A little hayseed, a lot of kicked mule Didn’t own a comb, never played no fool Just a big ol’ goofy smile in a big ol’ goofy world John Prine, gonna miss you, every note you pearled How many barns did you storm? How many angels kept you warm? How many flowers will we need to honor your life, old friend, your deeds? When I heard the news, it hit me hard John Prine had died, it broke my heart My old buddy, though we never met Godspeed, my friend, you were the best Godspeed, my friend, you were the best. 😪❤️😪
Just discovered R.B. This summer. Thanks to you-tube. I am amazed at his unique talent. Him, this year, Karen Dalton two years ago, and prior to that Nick Drake. Incredible talents with small, but devoted following, growing, of course, as there is nothing like them. Louis
@Tom Emory: Shel Sylverstein is up there; his lyrics were like poetry. He did soundtrack to original Ned Kelly, 1970. And he wrote the songs for many Doctor Hook albums. I literally felt like gasping, the air flickering as it collapses. two such gifted men we shall never have again. And don’t forget Steve Goodman who died years ago, but I still play him wherever I find him.
Those of us old enough to have heard him from the beginning knew he just broke the mold. That first album could be too painful to listen to sometimes. He just sang about people, down home yet dignified. It was quite a journey. I saw him pretty much fill Carnegie Hall and saw him in Ithaca. It was always fun to put an lp in someone's hands who never heard of him and then hope you might get it back.
She was at an Appalachian greyhound station telling her brother that she loved him&for him to tell everybody else.She was probably on the TN side of the Smokies at the bottom of the Appalachian mountains.Unwed fathers in TN don't have any rights that can keep their children from being taken out of state.I learned that this past week when my son was taken from me again :( The unwed mother will always have power over the father no matter how good he may be.This one helps me cry a lil easier.
Patches Cathey Then get married! That's what the song is about. Unwed fathers run like water. Maybe listen again. Of course this was a long time ago. Nowadays nobody bothers to get married. When this song was written an unmarried woman with a baby was still a disgrace in "Good company".
Danny C. Lovely song. I would dearly like to see the accoustic guitarists name given credit. His arrangement is by far the best of all Nanci did both live and studio. What do you other players think?
Just saw your comment today. Was the concert good? I would love to see him in concert. I think the closest he's been to us is Kansas City, and then I found out too late. I don't like country music much, so I don't know how I can rationalize my love for his music. I think it's the stories and the weird words. How could anyone make a song called Onomotopae (sp)?
I found the obit. How terribly sad. She was such an amazing talent. When I first saw this video a couple weeks ago, my first thought was to find her and record her. But I was too late. She really was great. And she's gone way too early.
Anybody know when this was taped? Morbid curiosity, I guess. His voice sounds really rough, and it was 97-98 when he was diagnosed with throat cancer....
Can someone shed some light on this song for me? I think I get the gist of it.. The girl got knocked up by some guy and he ran.. But when she's in the hospital is she getting an abortion or did she have the baby after all. By herself, I mean. And did she run away in the beginning? That's what it kind of sounds like
She had the baby. She's raising it alone, because the father's not around. She says to the child: "Your daddy never meant to hurt you ever, but you've got his eyes."
Beautiful song. Regarding the story line. I understand it that the mother is going away from her family to have an abortion. The description "cold gray building", does not sound like a hospital. The third stanza "Somewhere else bound, Smoky Mountain Greyhound", tells me she refused the abortion, delivered the child, and is heading back to her home. I may be wrong. It does show the courage of the woman.
@@michaelvollmar3600 I feel the same way, but I've never heard of anyone else thinking the same about the song. She left her family to go have the abortion in the gray stone building in the cold and gray town. If she was to have the baby, why not have it at a local hospital? I think that's the purpose of the line "This ain't no playground and this ain't home". She decided to keep the baby and went to yet another place.
Only one thing doesn't ring true about this song: the unwed mother would not have got back on a bus with the child. The child would have been taken away from her and she would have been sent away alone.
This must rank as one of the best country songs ever written.
Nobody paints with words quite like John Prine. Love his lyrics, love his melodies, love his vocal phrasing and love his self effacing humility. Sadly I'll never get the chance to hear him live. My big regret is that I didn't discover him far sooner than I did.
The more I listen to John Prine the more I love his work. Great man. Glad I found you.
I totally agree. What a loss to lose Mr. Prine. A true poet and musician and, the more that I listen to him, the more I love him. His interviews in later life just make me respect him that much more.
One of the most under rated and unappreciated singer/songwriters EVER !!! Just my opinion
Highly rated and well loved by those who know him. Just not well known enough.
shut up with the underrated bullshit.
Can't figure out how a talent like this went unnoticed by the masses
Anyone else here today because he went to heaven today ? 💕🌸🙏
JP made a big hole in the world when he died.
We'll miss him forever.😢
That was a couple of weeks ago for me. Today is 04/25/20, still coronavirus lockdown.
JP was the soundtrack of my life for the past 15 years.
Nope
Ran this back over and over when my baby told me she was in the family way.Never a truer song.
If you grew up in the time when it was taboo to be an unwed mother then you truly understand what this song says so clearly. Miss you John
This is the story of my life at 16. I cry every time I hear it.
To tell you the truth I never heard a bad John Prine song. They all have their own store RIP John.
Her harmony is perfect.
I've listened to this over and over again. She has a beautiful voice. Totally completing his. Can't get enough John prine.
This song. Is. Very. Important that still goes on every day
This should be required listening in our schools for teenage girls and boys. Rest In Peace John.
Mr. Prine is a genius. That is all.
That is ALL ? I think you might have just "said it all". That said, you are talking about 60+ years of pure musical Genius, of which I agree with you. The greatest singer songwriter in our time, if not all time.
It's amazing he would write a song like this.
Should be required listening.
@@garyjennings4505 to be a man writing from a young girls experience is a testament to his understated brilliance.
2022-02-20:
My main career until retirement in 2007
was as a child support attorney.
I knew a few songs relating too
paternity problems, child support, alimony, etc.
Going back as far as Makin Whoopee.
I was also a long time casual
(never saw JP in person
despite a couple attempts shortly before his death, R.I.P. JP.)
But I don’t recall heard this song before now..
Thanks for posting!
My favorite is still “Illegal Smile”
the one that comes to me now and then
for no particular reason.
Bob Dylan said he was the greatest songwriter there ever was
bob dylan sucks,john is a better person and a better song writer
@@annerenwick4322 you can't be serious? Obviously you know nothing about music
He's serious. And Bob really loves John's work. Look it up.
Saw that he was in Dylan's top 5 from a list for some magazine or other
What a really dumb comment to make.@@thenightfly3685
One of John Prine's very finest songs! (And that's saying a lot, since he has so many). Using simple, economical language, this song packs such a powerful punch, while maintaining a catchy melody and snappy rhythm.
Hearing these words with new ears through the sorrow of his passing.
One of the best duets of all time
I was there in 1964, hidden and then set free six months later.
I first heard and loved this song sung by Gail Davies. Only recently learned John wrote it. Another amazing song to have been written by such a young peron.
"Godspeed Old Friend"
When I heard the news, it hit me hard
John Prine had died, it broke my heart
My old buddy, though we never met
Godspeed, my friend, you were the best
*The salt of the Earth, the sizzle in bacon
The dust on the road of a town forsaken
A little hayseed, a lot of kicked mule
Didn’t own a comb, never played no fool
Just a big ol’ goofy smile in a big ol’ goofy world
John Prine, gonna miss you, every note you pearled
Your smile was illegal in fifty states
But when the cops showed up,
you wiped it from your face...
Oh, it was still there, lingered like a duck
Don’t know what that means, guess I’m out of luck
*The salt of the Earth, the sizzle in bacon
The dust on the road of a town forsaken
A little hayseed, a lot of kicked mule
Didn’t own a comb, never played no fool
Just a big ol’ goofy smile in a big ol’ goofy world
John Prine, gonna miss you, every note you pearled
How many barns did you storm?
How many angels kept you warm?
How many flowers will we need
to honor your life, old friend, your deeds?
When I heard the news, it hit me hard
John Prine had died, it broke my heart
My old buddy, though we never met
Godspeed, my friend, you were the best
Godspeed, my friend, you were the best. 😪❤️😪
Saw this at the BoardwalkinNashville,still have the cassette. Bless you John.
Just discovered R.B. This summer. Thanks to you-tube. I am amazed at his unique talent. Him, this year, Karen Dalton two years ago, and prior to that Nick Drake. Incredible talents with small, but devoted following, growing, of course, as there is nothing like them. Louis
@Tom Emory: Shel Sylverstein is up there; his lyrics were like poetry. He did soundtrack to original Ned Kelly, 1970.
And he wrote the songs for many Doctor Hook albums. I literally felt like gasping, the air flickering as it collapses. two such gifted men we shall never have again. And don’t forget Steve Goodman who died years ago, but I still play him wherever I find him.
RIP John Prine... Legend, fantastic song writer
RIP John. Thank you for all the great songs.
This song is a time capsule for all the single mothers who were forced to live this. Those DNA tests were game changers.
Another great song by him.. never be another one like him
I cry every time I hear this song, but can't quit listening when it comes on. And I didn't know that his wife was the woman singing. Soooo good.
What a compassionate MAN !!
Prine is timeless
Here to relearn this song
Thank you
Sarah Jarosz sent me here.
Thank you, Sarah.
You write what we all think. Love you John.
One of my favorites
Wow .. a powerful story by a great poet.
They were amazing together, very fine delivered. /CD
Those of us old enough to have heard him from the beginning knew he just broke the mold. That first album could be too painful to listen to sometimes. He just sang about people, down home yet dignified.
It was quite a journey. I saw him pretty much fill Carnegie Hall and saw him in Ithaca. It was always fun to put an lp in someone's hands who never heard of him and then hope you might get it back.
The song that changed my life
They sounded great together singing into the same mic.
awesome song, and I'm glad I didn't run like water from a mountain stream.
They should have always stayed together, they are awesome singers together and I think they will always be the best, Thank you John and Rachel
John wasn't happy with Rachel, but he had a great marriage to Fiona for 24 years. They had two sons in addition to her son, and were a happy family.
@@Khumbu0609 yes indeed they did. And my prayers are coming up to Fiona and the boys! Such a loss to all of us...
such talent this man and his wonderful wife has,,live forever
She sang great with him.
Excellent
this is it! Radical birth keeper, Martha
Just can't get enough.
Great Song! -- and Rachel is an Incredible Talent!
Who?
She had the child because the next verse or two whe tells the child his daddy doesn't live here anymore. Great tune by an awesome tunesmith!
She was at an Appalachian greyhound station telling her brother that she loved him&for him to tell everybody else.She was probably on the TN side of the Smokies at the bottom of the Appalachian mountains.Unwed fathers in TN don't have any rights that can keep their children from being taken out of state.I learned that this past week when my son was taken from me again :( The unwed mother will always have power over the father no matter how good he may be.This one helps me cry a lil easier.
Patches Cathey Then get married! That's what the song is about. Unwed fathers run like water. Maybe listen again. Of course this was a long time ago. Nowadays nobody bothers to get married. When this song was written an unmarried woman with a baby was still a disgrace in "Good company".
BTW Since it has been 6 years I wonder...Did it all work out. I would love to know.
Maybe wear a condom next time
Unreal music value
We'll miss you John.
RIP
thank you for uploading this..it's just beautiful...one of my favorite by jp, and there are quite a few great ones to choose from...
Great music value
R.I.P. Kind Sir.
Love JP since I discovered his records in a thrift store back in the 1960's
'70s maybe. JP had nothing released prior to 1971.
Sending this to Alabama!
Had this whole show taped on a Beta Tape!!!!!....off a PBS channel, Best Speed of the Sound of Loneliness, version ever done.....
This show from Ireland had the best version of Saddles in the Rain ...too bad we can't find it on You Tube.
Love John Prine
Great singer!
Good job.
16 unwed fathers don’t like this song
They aren't fathers just sperm donars. Both the Mom and baby are better off without them.
A great singer gone way too soon
King Prine....
His best.
@bertmientje
Thank you.
Joe
nobody has my eyes or I would have none
Burn ye anuther'un
You got his eyes! Thanks Dad..
She was such a good singer. What happened to her?
He divorced her in 88
Damn, this tune really hits close to home for me. Ouch.
Danny C. Lovely song. I would dearly like to see the accoustic guitarists name given credit. His arrangement is by far the best of all Nanci did both live and studio. What do you other players think?
They looked so in love but somehow lost it cling to your partner and hang on Happy Valentines day
Just saw your comment today. Was the concert good? I would love to see him in concert. I think the closest he's been to us is Kansas City, and then I found out too late. I don't like country music much, so I don't know how I can rationalize my love for his music. I think it's the stories and the weird words. How could anyone make a song called Onomotopae (sp)?
John still around...
Just saw your comment today. Was the concert good? I would LOV
RIP Rachel Peer
Are you sure? I can't find an obituary for her.
I found the obit. How terribly sad. She was such an amazing talent. When I first saw this video a couple weeks ago, my first thought was to find her and record her. But I was too late. She really was great. And she's gone way too early.
Rip Rachel Peer ❤
should have been " Song of the Year" but never received air-play because guess what most D.J.'s were????/
a very good opinion
Anybody know when this was taped? Morbid curiosity, I guess. His voice sounds really rough, and it was 97-98 when he was diagnosed with throat cancer....
I saw it on tv in the early 90’s. Tried to buy a DVD but apparently A&E doesn’t offer one...
A Dylan no doubt !!!!!!!!! And probably as good if not better ??
Who is the girl?
Xwife
Some of them do
Poignant
Check out the deer tick cover of this song! It's pretty awesome!
Deer Tick also has an awesome cover of Mexican home! A rock version!
anyone know who wrote this and what year? I first heard it on a CD form 2001 by the Mammals
John Prine and the great Bobby Braddock (D-I-V-O-R-C-E, He stopped Loving her today etc etc)
He said in the beginning of the video that he wrote it
RIP
Well? I know about this too. don’t be a deadbeat daddios. B cool 😮. Bout this.
That’s his wife singing with him.
The reality of sin.
We will miss you brother! RIP #FuckCorona
Somebody's children out "having children", she made the right choice. Shame on the boys. dupree
Did not know he wrote this one. Heard Emmylou Harris do it.
Can someone shed some light on this song for me? I think I get the gist of it.. The girl got knocked up by some guy and he ran.. But when she's in the hospital is she getting an abortion or did she have the baby after all. By herself, I mean. And did she run away in the beginning? That's what it kind of sounds like
She had the baby. She's raising it alone, because the father's not around. She says to the child: "Your daddy never meant to hurt you ever, but you've got his eyes."
It's about how everyone speaks of unwed mothers... but never really talk about the unwed father who took off and how easy it is for them to do so.
Beautiful song. Regarding the story line. I understand it that the mother is going away from her family to have an abortion. The description "cold gray building", does not sound like a hospital. The third stanza "Somewhere else bound, Smoky Mountain Greyhound", tells me she refused the abortion, delivered the child, and is heading back to her home. I may be wrong. It does show the courage of the woman.
@@michaelvollmar3600 I feel the same way, but I've never heard of anyone else thinking the same about the song.
She left her family to go have the abortion in the gray stone building in the cold and gray town. If she was to have the baby, why not have it at a local hospital?
I think that's the purpose of the line "This ain't no playground and this ain't home".
She decided to keep the baby and went to yet another place.
I don't think she had an abortion, otherwise how would she say he's got his daddy's eyes.
written by Bobby Braddock
Braddock cowrote "Unwed Fathers" with...John Prine
So just take them! FTP
She's not his wife anymore, hasn't been for many years
Only one thing doesn't ring true about this song: the unwed mother would not have got back on a bus with the child. The child would have been taken away from her and she would have been sent away alone.
Divorce sucks